The Force is lukewarm with this one.
Disney debuted a “real” lightsaber Friday at the South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas, during a presentation led by Disney parks chairman Josh D’Amaro.
The device, an iconic special-effects-born weapon in the “Star Wars” franchise, was unveiled as part of Disney’s insanely expensive Galactic Starcruiser hotel experience.
“It’s a true ‘wow’ moment for our guests and for me. As you can tell, I love firing this thing up as much as I possibly can,” D’Amaro said in the presentation, per a video posted to Twitter by fan account Disney Food Blog.
D’Amaro activated the saber, which extends out and makes all the noises and sounds “Star Wars” fans will instantly recognize.
During the demonstration, D’Amaro activated the saber, which extends out and makes all the noises and sounds that “Star Wars” fans will instantly recognize. Errich Petersen/Getty Images for SXSW“This was a hard project,” Leslie Evans, who runs research and development for Disney Imagineering, told D’Amaro onstage. “This was not easy. But it was absolutely worth it.”
“Because as you can see, this is a way to feel like you’re in the film. It is such an iconic moment,” continued Evans.
Yet the “official” saber has been criticized for its cumbersome handle and for not featuring enough detail.
Disney sells lightsaber collectibles, some of which cost more than $200, that have been praised for their quality.
The lightsaber, an iconic piece of the “Star Wars” franchise, was unveiled as part of Disney’s insanely expensive Galactic Starcruiser hotel experience.Jonathan Olley / © Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures / © Lucasfilm / courtesy Everett Collection/Errich Petersen/Getty Images for SXSWThe “real” saber appears to have divided the wide galaxy of “Star Wars” fans.
“Neat,” snarked one Twitter user. “The hilt is too bulky and the blade is too short, so you unfortunately will not be allowed to release this, but keep up the great work!”
“Real my ass,” said another.
“Don’t care, StarWars is Dead,” slammed a third.
Meanwhile, one fan gushed, “My God I never wanted something SO MUCH.”
Disney has not announced plans to sell the saber to the general public.
The Post reached out to the media giant for comment.
